17 Jun 2020

 Gaborone High Court Judge Christopher Gabanagae has set July 13-17 and July 27-30 as trial dates for a case involving Former Permanent Secretary (PSP) to the President Carter Morupisi, his wife Pinny Morupisi and her company R7 Group.

The duo, who appeared in court June 17, is facing three counts of abuse of office, receiving a bribe and money laundering.

Prior to setting the trial dates, the prosecution team, made up of Ms Kentse Molome and Mr Milikani Tibone, informed the court that they had lined up 30 witnesses to argue their case.

Ms Molome said about five of their key witnesses were based outside the country and due to the COVID-19 movement restrictions, there was a likelihood that they would not be able to physically appear before court to give evidence.

Owing to the challenge, she said there was a possibility for the witnesses based in South Africa, to present their evidence by the use of visual technology.

Meanwhile, the defence attorneys, Mr Busang Manewe and Mr Itseng Mothibamele were of the view that they could not, for now, commit to whether they would consent to evidence delivered through technological means.

Mr Manewe said his team would consult the law first in order to make an informed decision.

On the first count of abuse of office, Morupisi is alleged to have on November 11, 2014, while holding the position of board chairperson of the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), without authority and final resolution of the board, signed a contract with Capital Management Botswana (CMB) on behalf of the pension fund, authorising CMB to administer BPOPF funds.

On the charge of acceptance of bribery by a public officer, particulars of the offence are that while employed as PSP and therefore a public officer, Morupisi signed a contract with CMB on behalf of BPOPF and on May 11, 2017 acting together with his wife, received on behalf of R7 Group, a valuable consideration in the form of a Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Up.

In the third count, that of money laundering, Morupisi is jointly charged with wife and the company R7 Group.

The particulars are that on May 15, 2017, the accused laundered an amount of R630 988 (P462 260) which was proceeds of crime. ENDS